The lords of Kaga province were among the
wealthiest in feudal Japan. They attracted the best armorers to their domain, who in turn crafted a luxurious and idiosyncratic
style to suit their clients’ refined tastes. This matching kabuto (helmet) and menpo (battle mask) are hammered
from heavy iron, left naked to display the smith’s skill, and adorned with fine soft metal decoration, including the
imperial kiri (palownia) often awarded by the shogun for faithful or valorous service, and worked in gold and copper shakudo alloy on a ground of gilded
leather.